Speakers

Gregory Smolynec – Deputy Commissioner, Policy and Promotion Sector in the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC)

Presentation – “The Race to Innovate: Digitization and Privacy Rights in the Government of Canada“

Abstract: The pandemic has dramatically accelerated digitization, bringing both benefits as well as risks for privacy. As the Government of Canada seeks to innovate and leverage the benefits of data, it must also consider how adopting and using new technologies will impact the privacy rights of Canadians, and ultimately, of our democracy. Gregory Smolynec will explain why it is important to start from a values and rights-based approach to innovation and will note some trends seen in our government and business advisory work. He will provide an overview of the OPC’s current priorities and offer some lessons learned from recent investigations. Finally, he will provide suggestions on how we can responsibly digitize in Government, while protecting the privacy rights of Canadians.

Biography:
Gregory Smolynec is Deputy Commissioner, Policy and Promotion Sector in the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC). The Promotion Program is future-looking and aims to inform Canadians of their rights how to exercise them, and to bring organizations towards compliance with the law. His staff develops practical information and guidance and provides advice on specific initiatives. Prior to OPC, Gregory served as Director General Strategic Initiatives at National Defence Headquarters leading the Strategic Outlook function for the Canadian Armed Forces. This identified and assessed all manner of factors to support strategic decision-making and advice to government.

He has a BA and MA (History) from McGill U., an MA (Russian and East European Studies) from Carleton U. and a Doctorate in History from Duke U.

Gregory Smolynec est sous-commissaire, Secteur des politiques et de la promotion, au Commissariat à la protection de la vie privée du Canada (CPVP). Le programme de promotion est tourné vers l’avenir et vise à informer les Canadiens de leurs droits et de la façon de les exercer, et à amener les organisations à se conformer à la loi. En qualité de sous-commissaire, Politiques et promotion, Gregory dirige l’équipe du Secteur des politiques et de la promotion du Commissariat pour ce qui est d’élaborer et de promouvoir de l’information et des orientations générales, mais pratiques, et d’élaborer des conseils sur des initiatives précises. Gregory agit également comme co-champion des langues officielles au CPVP. Avant sa nomination, Gregory était directeur général des initiatives stratégiques au sein de l’État-major interarmées stratégique localisé au Quartier général de la Défense nationale. À ce titre, il dirigeait la fonction de perspective stratégique pour les Forces armées canadiennes. La perspective stratégique est un processus d’analyse et de soutien à la prise de décisions conçu pour cerner et analyser les défis militaires et technologiques auxquels est confronté le Canada et pour éclairer la prise de décisions stratégiques et la préparation de conseils pour le gouvernement. Gregory a commencé sa carrière au sein du ministère de la Défense nationale en tant qu’analyste stratégique à R et D pour la défense Canada. Il a travaillé dans plusieurs organisations du ministère de la Défense nationale comme analyste et a occupé une série de postes de cadres qui comportaient des responsabilités de plus en plus grandes dans la fonction publique. Il détient un baccalauréat ès arts en histoire de l’Université McGill, une maîtrise ès arts en études sur la Russie et l’Europe de l’Est de l’Université Carleton et un doctorat en histoire de l’Université Duke.

Pierre-Dominique Cotte – Digital Transformation Officer, European Union ‘Justice and Home Affairs’ formerly Council of the European Union DGF: Team Lead Digital Transformation

Presentation – “Digital Transformation in the European Union“

Abstract: Planning and organising a digital transformation within the EU, at governmental level, is challenging for a wide range or reasons: some are specific to the EU whereas the others are inherent traits of any digital transformation initiative.

After a brief characterisation of the EU environment, and more specifically the Council of the European Union, the speaker will share his experiences on three major recent digital transformation initiatives where he is (or has been) directly involved, as programme manager, architect or digital transformation officer:
•The ‘Council decision making Programme’ (CODEMAP), aiming at enhancing decision making within the Council of the EU;
•The ‘Information and Knowledge management’ (IKM-) Programme, aiming at improving the user experience of the EU Member States delegates and the staff of the General Secretariat of the Council, while exchanging information and sharing knowledge on EU policy matters.
•The “e-Justice” initiative aiming at promoting the digitalisation of the justice within the EU, along with the ‘e-CODEX’ programme that is the backbone network connecting the EU Member States and EU judiciary players and supporting the exchange of data on civil or criminal matters.

The speaker will also briefly evoke the EU initiatives (‘Connecting Europe Facility’, ‘Digital Europe’, and the ‘Recovery and Resilience Facility’ recently adopted as a recovery plan for the EU) along with the EU laws (e.g. the General Data Protection Regulation, the Council Security regulation, the Open data directive or the ‘Digital agenda for Europe’) insofar as all these plans and pieces of legislation have (or will have) a huge impact on the digital transformations initiated at governmental level within the EU.

Biography:
Pierre Cotte has a double Ingenieur degree in France (Ecole Polytechnique X82 and Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Techniques Avancées-87) and has long management experience of large scale and secure Intelligence and Command and Control systems (in support of FR or NATO military headquarters) and Information and Decision-making systems (in support of the Council of the EU). He has served in the French Ministry of Defence (10 years), NATO (10 years) and the EU (13 years). During that time he has five times been a Programme managers of CIS systems and was the Prime Information Systems Architect in the NATO (for 8 years) in support of the two Strategic Commands.

Pierre entered the EU in 2007 as civil servant and left the French Mod as a Colonel (i.e. Ingénieur en Chef de l’Armement). Since 2015, He is acting as Digital Transformation Officer, in the General Secretariat of the Council and has recently been posted to the Justice and Home Affaire Directorate General, to support the digital transformation of the justice within the EU (on both the system and legislative aspects).

Eric Sweden, MSIH MBA CGCIO™ – Program Director, Enterprise Architecture & Governance, National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)

Presentation – “Digital Transformation in State Government – Perspectives from US States and Territories“

Abstract: Digital transformation has been occurring across the US states and territories for decades. State CIOs have been fostering change toward better and more effective citizen services, better collaboration and partnering with agencies, evaluating technologies and business practices, and employing effective governance to ensure all stakeholders are represented.

But what exactly is digital transformation and digital government? Is it just about technology, or is it bigger than that?

In this session, we’ll explore the history and current status of transformation efforts including the acceleration of efforts that took place during state and territorial response to the pandemic.

Biography:
Eric Sweden possesses 40 years of experience in senior technical and management positions within IT, business, and public & occupational health with substantial experience in business architecture, information architecture, business process enhancement, and strategy development. He has held a variety of technical and managerial roles in chemical manufacturing and telecommunications corporations and has been serving the state government CIO community since 2003.

Eric is an experienced presenter and author of a long list of guidance documents related to industry and state government IT management including enterprise architecture, enterprise IT governance, records management, digital preservation, information sharing, organizational transformation, business intelligence and analytics, cloud computing, cyber disruption response planning, government transparency, blockchain and multi-sourcing.

Eric holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota; and a Masters of Science from the School of Public Health, University of Michigan. In 2016 Eric completed the PTI / Rutgers University Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) Program with Honors.

Julie Brousseau – Director of the Architecture Centre of Excellence (ACoE) at Shared Services Canada (SSC)

Presentation – “Creating Excellence: The Shared Services Canada Architecture Journey“

Abstract: Let me share with you the journey towards building the SSC Architecture Centre of Excellence: its functions, its people and its processes, and very importantly, its values. A Centre of Excellence is more than just having expertise about the organization – it gains most significance from consistently and passionately seeking the best out of the people who drive the organization and helping them to realize individual and collective excellence. By sharing our journey, including all our successes and the ever-present, ongoing challenges, I hope to leave you thinking about how exciting and fulfilling enabling excellence in your organization can be!

Biography:
Julie Brousseau is Director of the Architecture Centre of Excellence (ACoE) at Shared Service Canada. Her 23 years of IT experience, 19 of which have been held as a federal public servant, have provided opportunities to lead various projects and initiatives in enterprise architecture, business intelligence and application development, including an extensive SAP transformation. She is a passionate advocate for business collaboration, process innovation and empowering employees through professional development. Julie is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), is the mother of two teenagers, and has a keen interest in the natural world and wildlife.

Vesna Petrovic – Director, Enterprise Architecture team at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Presentation – “Canadian Government Benefits Delivery Modernization and the Role of Enterprise Architecture (EA)“

Abstract: The Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) Programme is a large-scale transformation initiative launched in 2016 in the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) department of the Canadian federal government. BDM is to deliver an improved client experience for the Employment Insurance (EI), Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and other selected benefits through the establishment of a modern technology platform streamlining benefits processing, new digital services, and enhanced service management capabilities. The Enterprise Architecture (EA) Team, embedded within the Programme, has the role of a trusted, dependable, and valued internal consultancy that fosters innovation and business alignment by delivering just in time information and guidance along the journey. The presentation will discuss BDM in general, how EA continuously delivers value; supports decisions by facilitating stakeholder consultation and brings pertinent information and analysis to the table.

Biography:
Vesna Petrovic is a Director leading an Enterprise Architecture team at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). She is a self-motivated professional with 25 years of experience in strategic planning, enterprise and solution architecture and software design and development. Her experience includes software development for large optical telecommunications distributed systems and development of microsimulation models used for analysis of legislation and policy changes in social benefit programs.

Philippe Johnston – President, CIO Association of Canada; Chief Information Officer, National Research Council (NRC)

Presentation – “CIOs Thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution“

Biography:
Philippe is currently the Chief Information Officer for the National Research Council and the President of the CIO Association of Canada. Prior to joining the NRC in April 2021, he managed the IM/IT Operations for Transport Canada starting in 2019. He also held the CIO position at the granting councils, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) from 2017-2019. He was at the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) from 2011-2016, where he led all parts of the internal IM IT organization, including the Deputy/CIO position for the last two years.

Prior to joining TBS, Philippe helped establish the Cyber Defense program at the Communications Security Establishment, while creating partnerships with academia, vendors and with key international organizations in the realm of cyber security. Philippe is an experienced IM/IT Executive who has been innovating and creating value for organizations for over 20 years.

Raj Thuppal – Chief Digital Officer, Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer – Transport Canada (TC)

Presentation – “Taking the Next Step: Maturing Departmental Transformation“

Abstract: Over the past five years, Transport Canada has emerged as a digital leader within the GC. Join Raj Thuppal, TC’s Chief Digital Officer, for a discussion about the key factors in the department’s success, and the work that lies ahead as the department looks to build on its momentum and mature its transformation programme in the coming years.

Biography:
Raj Thuppal is Transport Canada’s Chief Digital Officer. He provides executive leadership and management direction for TC’s transformation and service modernization. In this key role, Raj leads the way we transform and redesign programs and services that we deliver to Canadians. He is also Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer for the Department.

Raj Thuppal est le dirigeant principal du numérique à Transports Canada (TC). Il est l’exécutif responsable pour la transformation et la modernisation des services à TC. Dans ce rôle clé, Raj dirige la façon dont nous transformons et réaménageons les programmes et les services que nous offrons aux Canadiens. Il est également dirigeant principal de l’information et dirigeant principal des données pour le ministère.

Dr. Raul M. Abril – Officer of the European Commission and a research fellow at KU Leuven, Public Governance Institute

Presentation 1 – “EU eGovERA- Linking the Dots between Enterprise Architecture, Portfolio Management and Digital Transformation Roadmapping“

Abstract: The European Union eGovERA initiative is a suite of tools supporting public administrations CIOs and Portfolio Managers in their portfolio management and digital transformation roadmap decision-making processes. eGovERA is expressed in business terms linking the dots between enterprise architecture, portfolio management decision support and digital transformation roadmap support. The COVID-19 crisis has pushed for eGovERA as a mean in support of EU Member States requesting for funds. The presentation will include a short demo.

Biography:
Raul M. Abril is an officer of the European Commission since 2013 and a research fellow at KU Leuven, Public Governance Institute. He is responsible for a portfolio of European programs including the European Interoperability Reference Architecture, EIRA, the eGovERA Portfolio Decision Making support and the eGovERA Digital Transformation Roadmap support. He has +35y of IT professional services experience, most of them in the private sector and holding several senior positions including R&D Portfolio manager in a major USA IT vendor.

His knowledge domains are Research Methods (Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis), Marketing (Research, IS), IT R&D (Portfolio Mgmt, Product Mgmt), Project Mgmt, and IS & Technology (Knowledge Management, DSS, BI, Data Warehousing, DBMS, IS Design). Raul has been professor in several universities and been active publishing his research.

Raul holds a doctoral degree (Henley Management College, UK), a European PhD Certification (European Doctoral School on Knowledge Management, DK), an Ing. Sup. Informatics (UAB, ESP), and a Master’s in Project Mgmt (The George Washington University, USA).

Stephen D. Burt – Assistant Deputy Minister (Data, Innovation, Analytics) for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, and the Chair of the Federal Chief Data Officer Council

Presentation – “Creating a Strong Data Foundation for Defence“

Abstract: Data, Innovation, Analytics is an Assistant Deputy Minister level organization within National Defence. It was stood up in 2018 to drive National Defence to a data-driven culture, treating data as a strategic asset and using it effectively for evidence-based decision-making. For this to be successful, culture, policies and processes need to be changed. The DND/CAF Data Strategy outlines a path to accomplish this, and to ensure that the digital ambitions of the department and Armed Forces are built on the strong data foundation required by modern technology and tools.

Données, Innovation et Analytique est une organisation de niveau sous-ministre adjoint au sein de la Défense nationale. Elle a été mise en place en 2018 pour amener la Défense nationale à adopter une culture axée sur les données, en traitant les données comme un actif stratégique et en les utilisant efficacement pour la prise de décisions fondées sur des données probantes. Pour que cela réussisse, la culture, les politiques et les processus doivent être modifiés. La stratégie de données du MDN et des FAC décrit la voie à suivre pour y parvenir et pour s’assurer que les ambitions numériques du ministère et des forces armées reposent sur la base de données solide requise par la technologie et les outils modernes.

Biography:
Stephen Burt is the Assistant Deputy Minister (Data, Innovation, Analytics) for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, and the chair of the federal Chief Data Officer Council.

As an organization, ADM(DIA) works to ensure that data are leveraged in all Defence programs to enhance capabilities and decision-making, and to provide an information advantage in military operations.

He holds an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Ottawa, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Queen’s University.

Stephen Burt est le sous-ministre adjoint (données, innovation, analytique) du ministère de la Défense nationale et des Forces armées canadiennes, et le président du Conseil fédéral des dirigeants principaux des données.

En tant qu’organisation, le SMA(DIA) s’efforce de faire en sorte que les données soient exploitées dans tous les programmes de la Défense afin d’améliorer les capacités et la prise de décision, et de fournir un avantage informationnel dans les opérations militaires.

Il est titulaire d’un diplôme en histoire de l’Université d’Ottawa et d’une maîtrise en administration publique de l’Université Queen’s.

Ima Okonny – Chief Data Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Presentation – “Accelerating Digital Transformation Requires the Acceleration of Data Transformation“

Abstract: This presentation discusses:
•challenges and opportunities to build trust and manage risks through a solid enterprise data foundation; and,
•the responsible application of innovative methods, such as AI solutions to data, to accelerate transformation.

Presentation themes include data standardization, data literacy and the ethical use of advanced analytics.

Biography:
Ima, the Chief Data Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has over 20 years of experience in the field of data.

She has extensive experience with building the evidence base through the development of analytical databases, building analytical tools, implementing departmental data reporting and release strategies, data management, data privacy protocols and with forward-looking policy development and research.

Ima has an educational background in Mathematics, Computer Programming and Public Management and during her time with the Government of Canada, she has received several nominations and awards for her leadership and results. She is passionate about developing and empowering multidisciplinary teams to unleash concrete business value from data.

Ima, la dirigeante principale des données d’Emploi et Développement social Canada (EDSC), a plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans le domaine des données.

Elle possède une vaste expérience en matière de développement de données probantes, que ce soit pour le développement de bases de données analytiques, la création d’outils analytiques, la publication ministérielle et stratégies de diffusion de données, la gestion des données, les protocoles de confidentialité des données et l’élaboration de politiques et de la recherche prospectives.

Ima a une formation en mathématiques, en programmation informatique et en gestion publique. Durant sa carrière au Gouvernement du Canada, elle a reçu multiples nominations et prix pour son leadership et ses accomplissements. Elle se passionne pour l’autonomisation des équipes multidisciplinaires pour qu’elles tirent une valeur opérationnelle concrète des données.

Timothy C. Lethbridge, PhD, P.Eng, I.S.P. – Vice-Dean Engineering (Governance) – University of Ottawa

Presentation – “Perspectives from over 80 International Enterprise Architects: Success factors, Principles, Agility and Tool Choice“

Abstract: We conducted a survey of Enterprise Architects in higher education institutions in 30 countries, including a high percentage of the very largest universities. Our research method involved doing 21 one-hour interviews with EAs initially, and then composing a survey based on the results of the interviews. In this presentation we will discuss the results of the survey. In particular, we will focus on the methodologies and tools the EAs use, the principles they consider most important, the factors that lead to success of their EA work, and the practices that make their EA and their institutions more agile. This is based on work performed by the presenter’s former PhD student Aliaa Alghamdi as well as by the presenter.

Biography:
Timothy Lethbridge has been a full-time faculty member at the university of Ottawa since 1994. He started his career in the Data Processing Division of the Government of New Brunswick in the early 1980’s. He received his Master’s of Computer Science from the University of New Brunswick in 1987 and then worked for Bell-Northern Research. He received his PhD on the topic of knowledge management in 1994. His research has focused on software engineering, software tools usability, the Umple technology, and enterprise architecture.

Liam Peyton, PhD, PEng – Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Engineering and Professor School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation at the University of Ottawa

Presentation – “Digital Transformation and the Training of Highly Qualified Professionals“

Abstract: Digital Transformation is changing our world in fundamental ways that presents challenges and opportunities for government, industry, and academia. An important role for academia is the training of highly qualified professionals for this new world in the context of research and thought leadership on the one hand as well as education and mentorship on the other. Increasingly, the university is delivering that training through integrated collaboration with government and industry, in flexibly located, tailored learning environments.

This presentation will highlight uOttawa’s graduate programs in Digital Transformation and Innovation as an example of research and thought leadership; but it will focus mainly on exploring new directions for education delivery at the University in collaboration with government and industry, including distance learning, life-long learning, projects and mentorship, industry-tailored training, and strategic government initiatives (national and international) to develop industrial capacity.

Biography:
Liam Peyton, PhD PEng, is a professor in the new School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation at the University of Ottawa, cross-appointed to the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He is currently Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Engineering. Previously, he was Director and founder of uOttawa’s interfaculty PhD and Masters programs in Digital Transformation and Innovation. He is a principal investigator for the Intelligent Data Warehouse Laboratory at uOttawa. In addition to 15+ years of academic research and teaching related to digital transformation, he has 15+ years of related industry experience and consulting.

Joanna Murphy, CISSP, CISA, CIPP/C – Director IT Audit – Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG)

Presentation – “Modernizing Procurement of Complex IT Solutions – Audit Findings“

Abstract: The government currently has about 21 large IT procurements underway, valued at over $6.6 billion. Procurements for major IT projects are inherently complex because of frequent changes in technology and business needs, ambitious timelines, and the need for technical expertise. The government recognized that traditional procurement processes must be adapted to deliver solutions that achieve business outcomes. In 2017, the Prime Minister directed the Minister of Public Services and Procurement to modernize how the government procures new IT systems. Since then, Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada have introduced initiatives such as agile procurement.

This presentation will highlight the audit findings of whether the federal organizations responsible for procuring 3 complex IT initiatives (Benefits Delivery Modernization, Next Generation HR and Pay, and Workplace Communications Services) were on track to support the achievement of business outcomes and to uphold the government’s commitment to fairness, openness, and transparency in procurement.

Biography:
Joanna is passionate about serving Canadians by using her expertise in technology and audit to make an impact for Canada’s future. She is a team builder who rallies stakeholders toward a common purpose, and an innovator that identifies opportunities for the federal government to deliver better services to Canadians in an ever-changing environment. She has tabled over 10 IT audit reports to Parliament, including IT Shared Services (2015), Federal Government Call Centres (2019), and Procurement of Complex IT Solutions (2021).

Prior to joining the Office of the Auditor General of Canada in 2010, Joanna worked in the private sector for 13 years as an IT Security and Privacy Analyst.

Joanna is married with two teenage sons and loves world travel, road biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and backcountry camping.

Robert (Bob) Fox, CISA – A Senior IT Auditor at Communications Security Establishment (CSE) – Internal Audit Team
Heather Belanger, CIA – A Senior IT Auditor at CSE – Internal Audit Team
Larry Stoddard, P.Eng., CISSP-ISSAP, ISSEP – Senior Security Architect – Canadian Centre for Cyber-Security (CCCS)
Brian Thompson – Lead Developer of ASTRA

Presentation – “Canadian Cyber-Audit Framework, CSE ASTRA Software Demonstration and CSE Cyber Security Audit Tools“

Abstract: The Communications and Security Establishment (CSE) Cyber Centre has developed the Analytical Software for Threat and Risk Assessment (ASTRA) tool to guide government and private sector enterprises in assessing the threats and risks in their cyber space. ASTRA has the ease of use of turbo tax software for TRAs, asking users to input information from their environments, then providing them with an assessment of the status of their cyber security. Risks are ranked and recommendations are automatically provided to mitigate those risks. The ASTRA tool is nearing its final test phase and will be made available to the public shortly.

CSE’s Internal Audit group has prepared a cyber security audit program that is organized based on CSE’s publication the TOP 10 Cyber Security Threats. The audit program is an entry level program that includes a cyber security governance section and a risk management section, as well as audit tests for each audit sub-criteria. The audit program also denotes those audit criteria that are mandatory under Government of Canada policy.

The CSE cyber security audit tool suite also includes:
(1) a one-page placemat; (2) a Cyber Security Audit Guide on how to approach and conduct an internal audit of cyber security, and (3) a Preliminary Survey Tool (PST) to guide auditors in gathering key information and ranking audit entity risks at the start of the audit planning phase. The ASTRA software tool can also be used by auditors in the planning or examination phases of an audit to assess cyber threats and risks.

Biographies:
Robert (Bob) Fox, CISA Bob Fox is a senior IT auditor at CSE. He has been part of the Internal Audit team for 10 years and has been involved in a wide range of IT engagements auditing application, system and network development, governance, operations, security, and risk management. Bob is the former IT Audit Manager at Audit Services Canada and has over 30 years auditing across many Government of Canada departments and agencies. Bob holds degrees in Commerce and Public Administration from Carleton University, and has been a CISA since 1987.

Heather Belanger is a senior IT auditor at CSE. She has been part of the Internal Audit team for 12 years and has been involved in a wide range of engagements addressing internal controls, IT security, and data analytics. Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Carleton University, is a Certified Internal Auditor, and has a Diploma in Security Management.

Larry Stoddard is the senior security architect in the Security Architecture unit of the CCCS. He is a retired Communications Officer from the RCAF and has worked at CSE since 9/11. He is one of the authors of ITSG-33 and leads the development of the functional requirements for ASTRA. Larry has a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

Brian Thompson is the lead developer of ASTRA. He is a graduate of the Algonquin College Computer Engineering Technology program. He was part of the original team of students that developed ASTRA as a class project and was hired by CSE after graduation to continue its development.

Satyajit Rao Vagvala – Senior General Manager and Vertical Head of Capacity Building and Knowledge Management, National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), India
Vikash Madduri – Senior Project Manager, Capacity Building & Knowledge Management, National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), India

Presentation – “India’s Digital Transformation – Strategic Alternatives and New Directions”

Abstract: This presentation examines various governance reforms and implementation strategies in information technology and how over the years they have shaped India’s digital transformation journey. The presentation discusses how as a country, India has responded to governance challenges through eEnablement. Policy and regulatory framework, citizen centric service delivery, knowledge management, business process augmentation, institutional restructuring, capacity building and change management are some of the key areas touched upon while deliberating the nature of technology related reforms implemented in the country. The presentation also provides recommendations for a sustaining digital transformation in the country.

Biographies:
Mr. Vagvala is a governance, public policy & social development professional with over 23 years of experience of working governments. Public policy and governance reforms, social accountability, resettlement & rehabilitation, institutional development, capacity building & change management and eGovernance are some of the areas he has extensively worked on. He has in the past worked in various sectors like energy, agriculture, surface transportation, urban and rural development, revenue, agriculture, and information technology. He has earlier worked the Administrative Staff Collage of India, Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad, Wipro Limited, Ernst & Young LLP, etc.

Mr. Madduri has 10+ years of professional work experience in Information Technology and eGovernance domains. Currently, he is working as a Research Project Manager for National Institute for Smart Government (NISG). He is also the member of “Government Enterprise Architecture Working Group” formed by International Telecom Union (UN) and The Open Group; and the member of Government Blockchain Association.

Vikash has done his graduation in BE Information Technology, post-graduation in MA Development (specialization in Law, Governance, Policy) and PG Diploma in Cyber Laws.  Vikash’s research career interest lies at the intersection of Law, Governance and Policies of (emerging) Information Technologies. He is a Oracle Certified Associate and is certified in PRINCE2 Agile Project Management.

Rachel Porteous – Chief Information Officer – Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)

Presentation – “Digital Transformation of a High Security Organization in the Era of COVID“

Abstract: FINTRAC CIO Rachel Porteous explores the cultural, technological, and security challenges of transforming the Centre while navigating a global pandemic.

Biography:
Ms Porteous is a distinguished Senior Executive with over 30 years of IM/IT experience; proven track record of successes in developing solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IT and business operations. Strong leader able to drive transformations and service delivery while developing high performing teams.

Ms Porteous has been the Chief Information Officer at FINTRAC since January of 2019. She was the Chief Information Officer and Director General of the Solutions and Information Management Branch at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from 2017 to 2019.

Prior to IRCC, Ms. Porteous occupied the position of Director General/Chief Technology Officer at Public Services and Procurement Canada where she was responsible to lead the advancements in Enterprise Architecture and Innovation, IT Security and Product Management.

Ms. Porteous has extensive experience in leading and supporting the development and implementation of Departmental IT products and programs, as well as multiple multimillion-dollar projects across many departments. As the Executive Director and Acting Director General of Enterprise Services at Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Director of Information Management and Enterprise Resourcing Planning Systems at the Communications Security Establishment (CSE),

Ms. Porteous has developed, led and maintained consultative and collaborative partnerships, networks and projects. She started her career at Indian and Northern Affairs Department where she excelled in multiple IM/IT positions over 17 years.

Ms. Porteous holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, with a Major in Computer Science from the Université du Québec en Outaouais. She is a mother of 2 daughters and volunteers in two non-for-profit organization, the Association of Public Sector Information Professionals (DPI) and the CIO Association of Canada.

Robert W. (Bob) Gordon – Executive Director of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX)

Presentation – “Having A Successful Digital Transformation Journey by Thwarting the Cyber Attackers“

Abstract: The success of a digital transformation journey can be short-lived due to the actions of unwanted ‘partners’ – cyber attackers. The session will examine the current cyber threat environment and trends, the risks they pose to all areas of business operations and conclude with a discussion of the private sector’s collaboration initiative designed to reduce these risks, the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange.

The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically. Increases in the activity of nation state actors and organized criminal groups, the growth of ‘ransom as a service’, the increased collaboration amongst threat groups, increased focus on supply chain attacks, all serve to increase the risk to every business. Businesses recognize that these risks impact digital transformation, including business operations, reputation, financial and may invoke legal consequences. Mitigation strategies need to be holistic in their approach and include collaborative defensive strategies.

Biography:
Bob is the Executive Director of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX). The CCTX is Canada’s private sector organization for the sharing and analysis of cyber threat information and enabling collaboration across all sectors. Most recently, Bob was a Director, Global Cyber Security at CGI. Prior to this, he enjoyed a long and successful career in the Federal Government, which included being the architect of Canada’s first Cyber Security Strategy for which he received the Deputy Minister’s Achievement Award.

Bob has had a unique career in a number of Canada’s security, intelligence and law enforcement organizations: Public Safety Canada, Communications Security Establishment, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He held senior executive positions, including at the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister level. He was responsible for science and technology, information management/information technology, and internal security programs (personnel, physical and information technology). Bob has also provided operational leadership in investigating and analyzing the full range of threats to the security of Canada, which included leading the CSIS Counter Terrorism program.

Bob is also a member of the Board of Directors for Quantum Safe Canada, a member of the Advisory Council on the Modernization of Microdata Access with Statistics Canada, and the Advisory Board for the Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence program with the University of Guelph.

Dr. Raul M. Abril – Officer of the European Commission and a research fellow at KU Leuven, Public Governance Institute

Presentation 2 – “How to select a digital public service implementation orientation?“

Abstract: In organisational literature, by “customer orientation” or “market orientation” is considered the focus of the management in their strategy. Likewise, public administrations CIOs and portfolio managers should decide their digital public service implementations orientation. The challenge is how to do it?. The presentation will include a short demo.

Biography:
Raul M. Abril is an officer of the European Commission since 2013 and a research fellow at KU Leuven, Public Governance Institute. He is responsible for a portfolio of European programs including the European Interoperability Reference Architecture, EIRA, the eGovERA Portfolio Decision Making support and the eGovERA Digital Transformation Roadmap support. He has +35y of IT professional services experience, most of them in the private sector and holding several senior positions including R&D Portfolio manager in a major USA IT vendor.

His knowledge domains are Research Methods (Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis), Marketing (Research, IS), IT R&D (Portfolio Mgmt, Product Mgmt), Project Mgmt, and IS & Technology (Knowledge Management, DSS, BI, Data Warehousing, DBMS, IS Design). Raul has been professor in several universities and been active publishing his research.

Raul holds a doctoral degree (Henley Management College, UK), a European PhD Certification (European Doctoral School on Knowledge Management, DK), an Ing. Sup. Informatics (UAB, ESP), and a Master’s in Project Mgmt (The George Washington University, USA).

Gregory Richards, MBA, Ph.D., FCMC – Vice-Dean of Professional Graduate programs and Director of the Executive MBA at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management

Presentation – “Analytics-based Results Management“

Abstract: Gregory will outline steps to institutionalize analytics within public sector organizations. The approach is based on research with over 1000 organizations in six different countries over the past ten years. The session will address the following topics:
•Logic models as the foundation for Analytics-based Results Management (ARM);
•Where artificial intelligence fits in an organization’s analytics strategy; and
•Governance challenges to be addressed when introducing AI.

Biography:
Gregory is currently Vice-Dean of Professional Graduate programs and Director of the Executive MBA at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management. His research focuses on the use of performance information in public sector organizations.

He is a Certified Management Consultant and has also been consulting since 1997, working with all major government organizations in Ottawa and some in the US on performance measurement and analytics systems.

Before joining academia, Gregory worked with Cognos Incorporated and prior to that, at Transport Canada and Consulting and Audit Canada.

Amarjeet Kaur, MSc, PMP – Director Digital Human Resources (HR) – National Defence ADM HR(Civ) formerly Public and Procurement Canada (PSPC) (before March 2021)

Presentation – “How to Apply Human-Centric Approach in a Complex and Emotionally Charged Environment“

Abstract: Unpacking complex digital transformation problems requires us to adopt new mindset and approach such as Design Thinking. Through the PSPC use case study, learn various design techniques to adopt the human-centric model, gain deeper insights about the context, explore possibilities to create desired outcomes that benefit the end user.

Biography:
Amarjeet Kaur is a visionary and an empathetic leader. She has wealth of experience leading multi-disciplinary digital teams in both the public and private sectors including PSPC, Transport Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, Nortel Networks, Telus, and Cisco. Driven by her passion in human-centric approach, she brings diverse people together to unpack complex problems.

Amarjeet holds a Masters in Computer Science, Bachelors in Computer Science, Project Management Professional (PMP) and ITIL certification

Christian Sauvé – Manager of the Enterprise Architecture Group at the Public Service Commission (PSC)

Presentation – “Establishing a Business-Driven Enterprise Architecture Practice in a Smaller Government Agency“

Abstract: At first glance, enterprise architects in small government departments can appear trapped between TBS policy and operational requirements. But look closer, because small EA groups can have a disproportionate influence on their organization’s IT agenda. With a creative interpretation of enterprise architecture responsibilities and a relentless focus on practical outcomes, EA teams can directly influence major projects, shape governance and set the pace of digital transformation. This session will describe how the Enterprise Architecture team at the Public Service Commission has been able contribute effectively to the organization’s ability to respond to new challenges.

Biography:
Christian Sauvé is the manager of the Enterprise Architecture group at the Public Service Commission. His experience in web systems development, corporate IM/IT governance, client portfolio management, science-fiction writing, movie reviewing and Lego bricks building have all led him to Enterprise Architecture. He lives between Gatineau, QC and www.christian-sauve.com

Vik Pant, PhD – Chief Scientist and Chief Science Advisor at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Presentation – “Science and Policy Integration: The NRCan Digital Accelerator and Technology Readiness Assessment”

Abstract: Vik Pant, PhD, will be discussing the currently advancing files such as science and policy integration through the creative application of digital solutions, sharing insights in building a digital accelerator at NRCan and looking to the future in developing frameworks around data valuation and state of readiness for quantum applications in the Government of Canada.

Biography:
Vik is responsible for providing strategic direction to build capacity within NRCan’s scientific community, promoting a departmental vision for S&T and assessment of future needs. This involves leadership in developing and advancing S&T priorities, providing strategic policy advice on horizontal science issues and opportunities to ensure strong linkages between science and policy communities, and promoting effective engagement of S&T activities. Vik is responsible for accelerating the creative application of innovative digital technologies including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance NRCan’s ability to conduct research and analysis, as well as provide evidence-based policy advice that is supported by advanced analytical techniques. Vik works with counterparts from other science-based organizations to ensure that the management of federal policy and research activities support and align with Government of Canada priorities.

Vik earned a doctorate from the Faculty of Information (iSchool) in the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in business administration with distinction from the University of London, and a master’s degree in information technology from Harvard University, where he received the Dean’s List Academic Achievement Award.

His research, featured in numerous peer-reviewed journals and refereed international conferences, focuses on the conceptual modelling of strategic coopetition in complex multi-agent systems.

Vik joined NRCan from the MaRS Discovery District, a technology start-up accelerator in Toronto, where he was a Senior Technical Advisor of Applied Artificial Intelligence. Prior to that, he held progressively strategic positions in leading software enterprises including Oracle, SAP and Open Text.